THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Jiao Restaurant Review

: If you're looking for a pan-Asian restaurant, don't bother stopping at Jiao. Instead of the ho-hum and expected, this intimate eatery marries the flavors of Korea, Japan, China, Singapore and Thailand, resulting in a global experience for a very local audience. Jiao, which means “female dragon” in Chinese, is the brainchild of local restaurateurs Tara Lazar and Marco Rossetti, the team behind Cheeky’s and Birba. Except for a lone sushi-style counter indoors, the bulk of the seating is al fresco, with the tables generously misted as the temperatures rise. The menu, which emphasizes urban street food, changes regularly. Shareable small plates are a nice start, such as tempura Brussels sprouts, Japanese fried chicken and tamarind pork belly. Mizuna salad with avocado slices and Little Gem lettuce is accented with yuzu vinaigrette. Continue with oxtail fried rice, char siu ribs, broiled yellowtail collar or miso black cod with baby bok choy and coconut rice. For dessert, you may find lychee granita or steamed custard topped with Thai tea crunch and Asian pear. A selection of Asian beers is available; there is also a handful of wines by the glass and bottle, plus saké and saké cocktails.